JONATHAN HUNTINGTON -- Edmonton Sun

Danny Maciocia's instant-replay record was about as ugly as his team's offensive display at Taylor Field yesterday.

In the Edmonton Eskimos' first-ever game involving instant replay, Maciocia threw his yellow challenge flag twice yesterday - but came up empty.

"I am 0-for-2 - I have had a pretty good day," quipped the head coach.

"If I don't get any better at it, I wish they would abolish it."

Maciocia was joking about that last statement.

In reality, he actually appreciates the ability to use the system.

In his first crack at challenging officials yesterday in a pre-season game against Saskatchewan, he questioned whether Rider receiver Corey Grant trapped a reception in Eskimo territory.

The refs ruled against Maciocia's claim, but the team didn't lose a timeout because, unlike the NFL, the first losing challenge of a game doesn't cost a team a timeout.

Later in the second half, Maciocia felt his team deserved a better spot on a third-down gamble sneak by fourth-string quarterback Steven Jyles.

"I thought he had enough of a surge and the official (signalled) first down," said Maciocia.

"(But) all of a sudden he changed his mind, asked for the sticks to come out and they spotted the ball and now I know we are short."

Head referee Ken Lazaruk ruled against Edmonton again, which cost the team its only second-half timeout.

PRO DEBUT: Jyles looked sharper than Khari Jones in his limited action in the fourth quarter. The raw rookie was right on the money in his first three passes and finished four-for-six for 24 yards.

But he admits he is still getting used to three-down football.

"Second down is like third down," said the former U.S. college star. "You have two downs to get something going."

LATE HITS: The remodelled Edmonton offensive line only gave up two sacks yesterday, which has to be considered a success. "I am very comfortable with our left side, but we have to take a look at our right side," said Maciocia.

Patrick Kabongo, who is considered the first-string right tackle, will be healthy enough to make his season debut on Friday in the last pre-season game. Rhett McLane played at that spot yesterday, while Glen Carson and Raleigh Roundtree rotated at right guard. But the Eskimos had almost no running attack, with just 32 yards on 16 team carries ... The Esks didn't register a sack after almost leading the league in sacks last year.